Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
After a couple of weeks holed up in a fairly small home with my wife and two children, it’s not a stretch to say that we’re all a little on edge. My 18-year-old has to watch himself not to bite the eight-year-old’s head off over stupid things. My wife and I find ourselves being aggravated over things that didn’t use to bug us. Things like that.
In truth, that’s probably a little normal right about now. Humans aren’t meant to be in this situation.
However, there are a few people who take “on edge” and use it to trigger something more than cross words. Authorities in San Diego are bracing for more of those types.
San Diegans, like everyone else in California, are under orders to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic. While following these orders will save lives, others will be put at greater risk of domestic violence.
The circumstances that are now part of everyday life — confinement at home, loss of employment, money worries, food insecurity, stressers which increase tension and anxiety, can lead to increased domestic violence. Apparently researchers found increased domestic violence during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and more recently in Wuhan, China, ground zero for the COVID-19 pandemic.
To be sure, San Diego isn’t the only place preparing.
My hope, though, is that at least some of those millions of new gun owners include those potential victims. If so, the domestic violence problem will likely be sorted out quickly enough.
Regardless, though, there’s absolutely no excuse to get physical with your partner. At a minimum, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate your need for some cool-off space. Force the issue if you have to, but do not allow yourself to lose control.
If your partner is the one who might lose control, though, get away if you can. I have no idea if the shelter in your area is open or not. Luckily, there are people who can help with that.
However, if that doesn’t do it, remember that gun stores are considered essential businesses in most states and the Department of Homeland Security suggested they be viewed that way in every state. As such, you may need to get a firearm to protect yourself. For you, the concern isn’t civil unrest or racism, it’s the violent person who you may have pushed aside because of their behavior who can’t handle the fact that you got away or whatever.
Do not let political rhetoric lead to you becoming a victim. Don’t let talking points allow you to permit yourself to become a statistic. Take all due precautions, including getting a firearm and learning how to use it. It’s not just for your sake, but for the sake of your children and the next person who might become a victim as well.
What we’re dealing with is hard enough as it is. The last thing anyone should have to do is deal with violence at the same time. The only beatings your kids should be viewing is watching UFC reruns at most.
Tom Knighton is a Navy veteran, a former newspaperman, a novelist, and a blogger and lifetime shooter. He lives with his family in Southwest Georgia. https://bearingarms.com/author/tomknighton/
https://bearingarms.com/tom-k/2020/04/04/domestic-violence-increase-covid-19/